The Region’s Most Prominent Civic Forum Will Bring Together Policymakers and Community and Business Leaders to Discuss Investing in People and Places

NEW YORK - Regional Plan Association today announced the mainstage speaker lineup for this year’s Annual Assembly event. Featured speakers will include: Jamie Dimon, JPMorgan Chase Chairman and CEO, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont. RPA’s Assembly 2019 will be held on Friday, April 19 at the Grand Hyatt in New York.

Building on RPA’s Fourth Regional Plan, this year’s Assembly theme, “Investing in People and Places” will address strategies to promote both prosperity and community health. On the main stage and in break-out sessions, national and local experts will discuss: how climate change disproportionately impacts low-income communities of color; how to bring New York City public housing back to a state of good repair; how to promote job hubs outside Manhattan while supporting local community needs; how to use technology to improve how we get around; and how to prioritize health and community investments around anchor institutions.

"We don’t know when Washington will get its act together, and we can’t afford to wait. Local communities and regional alliances can and should lead the way where they are and nationwide," said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.

“On paper, Connecticut has it all — access to world-class talent; equidistant between Boston and New York without the exceptionally high cost of living; vibrant cultural and educational institutions. But our reputation in one area in particular precedes us – and we need to address it head on. Upgrading our transportation system is the foundation of our economic development in the future and we must formulate a real, sustainable plan to start now. In order to get Connecticut growing again, we need to get Connecticut moving again,” said Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont.

Previous keynote speakers include the former U.S. Senator from New York, Secretary of State, and first woman presidential nominee Hillary Rodham Clinton and former Vice President Joe Biden.

RPA’s Assembly is the premier forum for civic and business leaders to discuss ways to keep the tri-state region competitive, expand opportunity, make our government institutions more responsive, and improve our quality of life.